The dieting 'red flags' experts are warning people to avoid

Beware of 'quick-fix' new year diets, as they can be harmful to your health, experts have warned. Dietitians warn people should avoid diets using the word 'detox', telling people to eat only one type of food, like cabbage, or promising rapid weight loss of more than two pounds of body fat a week. Dietitians warn people should avoid diets using the word 'detox', telling people to eat only one type of food, like cabbage, or promising rapid weight loss of more than two pounds of body fat a week WHAT SHOULD A BALANCED DIET LOOK LIKE? All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruit and vegetables count • Base meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally wholegrain • 30 grams of fibre a day: This is the same as eating all of the following: 5 portions of fruit and vegetables, 2 whole-wheat cereal biscuits, 2 thick slices of wholemeal bread and large baked potato with the skin on • Have some dairy or dairy alternatives choosing lower fat and lower sugar options • Eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins • Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consuming in small amounts • Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water a day • Adults should have less than 6g of salt and 20g of saturated fat for women or 30g for men a day Source: NHS Eatwell Guide It can also be a red flag if a diet requires substituting everyday foods with expensive supplements or ingredients. Marcela Fiuza, a registered dietitian and spokesman for the BDA, said: 'For many people the new year is a good opportunity to set goals and intentions, including to improve health.